Just curious to see where the people at FPN heard of this pen and what prompted them to buy it. This pen seems to have come out of nowhere and really become a top seller in a very short amount of time.

Also I am curious to find out the sales statistics of these pens. How many sales were from people here at FPN, Rambling Snail, Pentrace Green board or other? This is a question that Winedoc and MR. Zenpens can only answer.

Thanks for your participation!!!

TNS

The Mikado has been on my must have list for quite some time. I really want one with a urushi finish, however, $$$..... So when I read here on FPN about how happy everyone was with their raw finish Danitrios, I contacted Kevin.

I will have a urushi finish Mikado, maybe even a couple of them! But for now, I'm very happy Danitrio has made such an affordable version for us poor college students!

Bryan

It was you who made me want this pen.
It was you who made me order this pen.
Yoo hoooooooooo
And I'm glad you did. Now as for the Bexley that's coming, I think that might be TNS too and the picture of the Single Malt Scotch that Davy? posted
And we all know why I just had to have a few Stipulas.
Ok, that's enough now. :ph34r:

I have been wanting an urushi pen for a while, but have been reluctant to purchase one due to concerns over whether I would be comfortable with the size. The Raw Ebonite Densho gave me an opportunity to try out the size at a much lower cost. The ED filler was an interesting idea I had no experience with. The review here pushed me over the edge. Thanks TNS. It's all your fault.

My raw ebonite densho arrived this morning. I was a little late getting to work because I had to fill up first. That sounds familiar. So far, I like the densho size and lovely stub nib and am much more confident I will also like the urushi when I get it. Thanks, TNS.

Thanks for all of your compliments. The reason why I did this poll was to give pen dealers like Winedoc and Zenpen some data on the buying habits of us pen nuts!! I guess there can be a very successful product with little to no marketing. Word of mouth and a simple review can push or persuade us into buying a pen that otherwise we would never had heard of or never thought of buying.

TNS

i must say it is thanks to your review of the densho and the other densho reviews here that i chose it to be my very first FP purchase. it appears to be a truely stellar instrument. i just hope they are back in stock soon!

thank you for your insight!

all the best ,
Jason

I can't think of a better way to introduce yourself to a fountain pen than with a Danitrio.

So what nib did you choose for yourself?

Bryan

There should be at least 65 responses. That's how many were sold by me. But adding Joe's, I think we should top 70 easily. Thank you all for making this pen so popular.

Best,

Kevin

[QUOTE]I can't think of a better way to introduce yourself to a fountain pen than with a Danitrio.

So what nib did you choose for yourself?

Bryan [QUOTE]

thank you!

it helps with my buyers remorse to here comments like that.

i was planning to get a M nib for my first FP. from reading it seems like a good all around nib. at least to my reasoning (i am new to this so i could be way off )

i will be useing it for journaling (or any other excuse i can come up with to write ) so a smooth nib should be nice. as my experience grows i am sure i will be compelled to try other styles.

all the best ,
Jason

TNS, it was you, it's all your fault. Only kidding.
I posted a question re "what to buy for under $200".
I got quite a few replies and eventually a link to your reviews so I followed and followed and followed and followed and followed, anyway after eating a packed lunch, yes it took that long to get to the end I got on to Kevin and ordered a Takumi today. I must say that Kevin has been outstanding in service and speed of responses. In New Zealand we would comment "his blood is worth bottleing". This is good, it means he is precious etc..
TNS, your pics, especially the ones showing comparisons really made up my mind. I've since e-mailed a good friend of mine up north (Auckland) and he can't believe it. He may well be on Kevin's supply list soon.
Any suggestions on what ink to christen it with. I've ordered the B flexi nib and I'm thinking W Florida Blue (no such thing as Noodlers in this part of the world) or MB tourquoise with a drop of black to darken as I tend to get great tonal qualities with this mix.
Thanks TNS for steering me and a big thanks in advance to Kevin. I'll do a very brief write up on my findings soon after it arrives and will also do some photo comparisons with a few of my current pens. You never know I might use my MB tourquoise/black mix as it tends to appear vintage looking which is what I like.

WM FB is a great primer, as is Waterman Blue-Black.

Yep word of mouth is a very powerful thing on the net. Remember Nakaya! how many people have purchased one of those in the last year but prior to that they were the hot pen and the me too posts were everywhere. It looks like DaniTrio has enough sense to listen to what people want and provide it quickly while the iron is still hot!

Kurt H

Jason, I must comment that I can't imagine having a Dani raw ebonite as a first ever fountain pen. As your first, it will most likely become your benchmark for future pens, and, frankly, I can think of few better benchmarks. You must tell us your impressions after you receive it.

For myself, I have a number of pens I love and enjoy using, so I am reluctant to start buying a new line of pens. I had read rave reviews about the Dani pens Kevin was selling over on the Pentrace yellow board, but the cost of the lacquer pens was just too high for me. I realize they are painstakingly hand crafted and I can appreciate that fact. But I am on the other end of the life journey - I am middle age and retired. $300 is pretty much a max out for a pen purchase for me in any one month. I am also a pen user - no matter how lovely a pen is to look at, it MUST write well.

Then, the raw ebonite. I jumped at the chance. I discovered a pen that is right up there with my beloved Duofolds (past and present), Stipulas, Viscontis and Deltas, and at a fraction of the cost. I will definitely buy more Dani's.

So - let's all get together and hop up and down on Kevin's punkin head and see if Dani will do these things in other colors. How about - Big Red orange? Or blue? Or green? - Or purple?! - Oh, Lord! I wish!

FrankB, I agree with your last comment, a big red/orange... wow. Imagine that in a Mikado side by side a Parker big red ?. Now who's big red ? Red colour in an ebonite pen was the only other choice apart from ripple once upon a time. Shouldn't be too hard to do. I would buy one in a flash.

Now, now, Gary. Do NOT get me started.

FrankB, now I think of it red ripple would be really attractive on the Mikado . Like a submarine with patterns. The USN would probably order some.

Really, you make me blush !!! i didnt mean for this to be a praise me session. I was just curious to see what pushes people to buy pens. I guess I got my answer!!

For me, it was on the Greenboard. One Saturday morning, kevin had a post on these raw ebonite pens minus all the fancy stuff. I think it was like 3 or 4 of them, like a test sampler. For me, I really wanted one of those pens but by the time I responded, they were long gone. I swear that it must have took 15 minutes to sell them. I emailed him and he put me on the list. Thank goodness I was one of the recipiants of the next wave of pens. This pen has sold like nothing I have ever seen before!!! I am so glad that Danitrio listens to the consumers.

I see that not only WInedoc and Zenpen stock these pens. I read on Zoss that Wood N Dreams started to sell some but in very limited quantities.

Kevin really created the monster in us, dont blame me, BLAME HIM!!! I only reported back with my experiences!!! I hope everyone who bought one of these pens are as happy with them as I am.

BTW Kevin, Zenpen, what else is in the works for the Raw Ebonite pens? Colors? New shapes? whatever it is, I am excited!!!

As far as pen reviews go, I am a bit behind but I hope to get with it in the next week or two!!!

TNS

Don't blush, when the TNS speaks we listen, well at least I do. Great reviews, keep them coming.
I've always wanted a Montegrappa in my collection, have you tested any offering from them ?.

O ya ? Then just stop writing outstanding reviews !!!

Yes, I had interest in the Densho previously, but TNS's review definitely pushed me over the edge. I now have my springy-medium Densho and adore everything about it. Now I want another.....either stub or firm fine nib .

I wish I had a Montegrappa to review. Maybe I can get a few samples of other pens from some people so I can review. Hmmm HINT HINT HINT!!!! Pen dealers, make sure you send me some pens for reviews, and I aint talking no Javalin!!!! Its a small price to pay for increased sales. I will endorse those who do send me samples!!!

I Have a OMAS, Bexley and a VP pens to name a few in the works!!!

TNS

Oooh, that would be nice....Red Ripple....

Bryan

I like the mikado, but I don't have one yet. No money.

I haven't bought one yet, but it's #2 on my list (after a Nakaya, apparently I am a SHEEP), so I didn't vote in the poll. But it's word of mouth for me--the review definitely sparked my interest, but reading how many different pen users rate these so highly is what's made me put it on the (very) short list.

And then a Sailor. And an Omas. And a Vanishing Point. And then I'll definitely be done.

I checked "Other" because Kevin is a member of our local pen club and it was knowing Kevin and seeing various pens from Dani Trio at club meetings that converted me.

I should post a photo of our club pen, an exclusive DT design that Kevin created for us last year.

best, Dan

I would love to see that!!!

My Raw Ebonite Densho and Mikado are still one of my workhorses due to the amount of ink it holds and how nice the nibs write. One good thing about the Raw Ebonite is that they are rugged and very Sturdy!!!

I added another few more DaniTrios to my collection:

I added the Genkai Tamenuri to my collection. This is a pen I have been waiting a long time for. At first I wanted a Nakaya Tamenuri but when I saw the DaniTrio Mikado Tamenuri, I steered away from the Nakaya and I found the Mikado is larger and seems to hold a lot more ink than the Nakaya. It is a better bang for the buck, a whole lotta pen for the money, thats for sure!!!

Well, I was thinking of buying a clipless Mikado Tamenuri but when I was ready to give Kevin a call, thats when I heard that the huge Genkai being offered in Tamenuri finish.

Well This is the Story of TNS and the Hunt for the Worlds Largest Pen

This all started when I bought my DaniTrio Raw Ebonite Densho. I thought that this is the largest pen they put out. It seems to rival a lot of pens on the market in terms of size and performance and also cost. I knew that I had the largest pen on the block until I saw the Mikado. My heart sank, I thought I bought the biggest and the best thing around, WRONG!!!

So I bought a raw ebonite Mikado from Kevin. I was going to pick it up at the LA pen show (2006) and I was totally excited!!! This IS the biggest pen that DaniTrio makes and it is about the biggest production pen made today. I saw Kevin at his table on Saturday, we chatted and then I paid for the pen. I was super happy and I couldnt wait to head up to my room and ink it up and write with the largest pen around. Well, that excitement lasted for about 10 seconds. That is when I first saw the Genkai pens on his display case. I asked Kevin about this pen and he told me that this is a new prototype pen. It is called the Genkai and it dwarfs the Mikado by a pretty large margin!!!

As I left the the room where all the pen sellers were at, I was happy with the pen but I felt a bit empty. It was like a feeling of buying the top of the line PC with all the bells and whistles with the fastest processor. Well, once you pay for the computer and start walking towards the car, you see the salesmen pulling out the latest and greatest PC that is bigger, better and badder than yours!!

So I decided to buy the Genkai Tamenuri and I absoutley adore this pen. Everything about this pen rules, the size, weight, ink capacity, nib, color and the finish is unbeatable in this type of pen!!! When I brought this pen home from the post office, I was expecting to get an email or something from Kevin, saying that they just released a new pen in a larger size than the Genkai.

This is the story of my life!!! Thanks Kevin for making me an emotional wreck!!!

TNS

LOL.. don't worry, I think the Genkai is it for Danitrio in term of size... Genkai by the way means "Limit" in Japanese.

Glad you love the Genkai Tamenuri. Enjoy.

Best,

Kev

Kevin is being diplomatic: the Genkai may be the limit for Dani Trio, but not for Kevin! Witness this photo:



Ah, yes, that is The Noble Savage's "world's largest pen" next to the Conway Stewart's Great Exhibition pen. Is that amazing or what? That dinkie little pen in pearl is a Parker Duofold Centennial, by the way!



Here are a few photos (courtesy Kevin, the photographer) of the club pen from its introduction, but I should really take some new photos and put them in the photo forum:







Yup, this pen shows the Golden Gate Bridge with some lovely details: birds, boats, waves, even a cable car, all in MOP and abolone. Kevin directed the design of the pen, rejecting one early design and ensuring it was representative of the real deal. It was a great opportunity for members of our club and it was all due to Kevin. I will treasure my pen, #19 of 20 (a special number commenorating an important anniversary for me that year), forever. Thanks again, Kevin!

best, Dan

I KNEW IT I KNEW IT!!!!! THERE IS SOMETHING LARGER!!! The size of that pen is totally insane!!!

You know what?? I have given up completely on having the worlds largest pen!!! See, you buy something big but you turn around and there is something bigger!!!
I cannot win for losing!!!

As for the Pen club pen, that is really wonderful looking pen!!! Great design too!!!

I am still in shock at the size of the CS pen.

TNS

I have to agree, I have a raw ebonite densho due to TNS's review. I also have to add the pen has all the good points in the review, and I've yet to find something I really don't like. Fantastic writer, goes forever between refills, light, big, unique. The R.E. Densho got me hooked on the Dani Trio brand, and now I have several (all the more inexpensive acrylic or celluloid and a blue 'tactical carry'). Kevin is great to deal with, and a really nice guy.

The only problem I really see with the raw ebonite pens is they are like potato chips, I don't want to stop at just one. I feel the need to have a mikado, genkai, takumi to finish off my collection....

Does anyone know if a Mikado would fit in a Piquadro 2 pen case?

French

Although my Densho is not a Raw Ebonite model, I must say that I am tempted to order one, probably a Mikado clipless some time in the future. I'd say it was a combination of the rave reviews people on FPN have been giving these pens, and the superb writing qualities of my Densho Tamenuri.

As for size, I think the Omas Gentleman Seaman will give the Conway Stewart Great Exhibition a run for its money, if not in length, definitely in heft. And there is another Omas LE which is even larger than that, the Giacomo Casanova.

has your Densho Tamenuri lightened up any? Any color change? how long have you had it? I am just curious to know what I should expect when the Genkai Tamenuri will look like over time.

As for the Raw Ebonite, I have the Densho and the Mikado and they are really one of the most used pens in my collection. I have no worries when I carry around my raw ebonite pens because they are sturdy and can take a bit of punishment, minor of course. It is also very easy to take minor scratches out of the surface of the pen.

They can shine up very easily too. Add a bit of museum wax and a soft polishing cloth and spend around 15 minutes buffing, the pen can look like glass by the time you are done.

I keep on repeating this but these raw ebonite pens are really the best bang for the buck. You can buy a pen for lets say, $250.00. This is the same pen minus the urushi or Maki-e that costs up to $14,000 and then some. You get a whole lot of pen for a fraction of the price. Also there really is no other competitor that can offer a better deal for the quality of pen in its size.


TNS

TNS

Not yet. I've only had it for 3-4 weeks. I hear it takes about a year for a noticeable change in colour.

I absolutely agree about the pricing. The Danitrios are wonderful pens. An equivalent all-ebonite pen like the Sailor KOP costs considerably more, even factoring in the nib cost.

I love the golden gate bridge pen! Makes me homesick. <snif>

Thanks for all the kind words... glad these pens are getting used, and frequent.

Dan, glad the club pen is serving you well... yes, I have the #1

And Aaron, you know you want that baseball bat.

and French... few more ebonite models just added to the collection:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=13902

and for Sonia.... "I left my heart.... in San Francisco..." Karaoke anyone?

Kev

Karaoke, the sport of kings! It just ain't the same in Denver!

speaking of kings... did I ever tell you I do good Elvis voice impression? It is well known in my hospital. Every Christmas we have a party with Kareoke... and if I don't do Elvis, I will never hear the end of it

And NO, I don't dress or move like THE king.

Kev

What is it about doctors and singing? My 97 y.o. mother's cardiologist insists on singing C&W (got to understand there's a certain lack of congruence: he's a very LonGeye-land -- as in NooYawk -- kind of guy). When she was in for a pacemaker replacement last year, he came down the hall to visit with her before they rolled her down to the lab, and he was singing something only semi-recognizable as a Willie Nelson song. Mom asked him if he was going to do that down in the cath lab during the procedure, because she wasn't sure that in her weakened condition she would survive being a captive audience. I asked him when he was going to try out for American Idol and the three nurses in the room all shot me dirty looks -- one just said, "PLEASE do NOT encourage him!"

I guess he didn't sing during the procedure. Mom came back just fine with her brand new pacemaker. Don't know how the doc's ego came out, though.

I blame TNS too - well the review anyway!

Set me thinking about these pens and finding out as much as I could. I ended up with a Densho eyedropper with stub nib - both new departures for me!

It has been my most used pen since it arrived. Lovely pen - if only I could afford one of the Tamenuri - maybe the Hanryo? ...

Kevin, If that is the case, I would of invited you to Las Vegas to perform your Elvis act. My Wife and I are going to renew of our wedding vows!!! Well the invitation is open to you Kev!!!

This october, we will be going to Vegas and having Elvis walk my wife down the isle, sing a few songs and then perform the ceremony. Everything is already planned!! Long Libe the King!!!

Kevin, Where were you??? You told us too late!!! We could of used your talents if you told us earlier!!!! Oh well, the least I can do is post some pictures after I come back!!

TNS

Hey, with years of schooling and training... we need some form of "release" don't you think?

Kev

Aaron, Karaoke is one thing... but to perform on your big day... Man, I'll have to drink a whole bottle of wine to do that.

Seriously, congrats on your upcoming renewing of vows. That's a great idea.

Kev

It was all FPN hype that got me on board. And I've been very happy with my Densho.

I just heard a lot about the Hanyro and its nice size (the others would be much too big for me and that was disappointing) and the price was awesome.

I love this pen. I mean love LOVE this pen. I haven't been able to drag myself from putting Alt Bordeaux in it, which seems to just suit it well, but I will next fill, just to see another color in it. I think I might see if I finally like Tahitian Pearl. So far, I have not cared for that in any pen.

At some point I WILL save enough money for another Danitrio. Oh yeah, I tend to love to sniff it after I've been holding it a while. I love that smell.

I got my Densho from Kevin right in time for X-Mas, I was thrilled. What an amazing pen! I took it one day to the high school where I teach and one of my hardest case stood in amazement at my pen while I was filling his detention slip:
" Sir, that's a great pen, mind If I try it"
I dug into my pen case and gave him a BIC:
"Keep it buddy, it's on me..."

I also took it to my favorite pen store to show it to the manager who has a long experience with pen. I watched him handle the pen with delight and he gave the highest regard toward the pen, ranking it with his best writer. It's funny to see a men who spend his life surrounded with nice pen getting such a kick writing with a such a simple pen.

Thank you again Kevin, I hope you all get one. I'm sure I'll get another Danitrio, got to work some more...

Samovar

I *really* want a Densho with a flex nib. I swear, it will be mine....it will be miiine!

[quote=The Noble Savage,Dec 14 2005, 02:57 AM]
I've always wanted a Montegrappa in my collection, have you tested any offering from them ?. [/QUOTE]
I wish I had a Montegrappa to review. :

TNS [/quote]
Dear TNS;

I've been fortunate enough to get TWO Montegrappa Symphony for a very much discounted price from a dealer here in New Orleans. They are definately gorgeous pens but I still think they're way overprized because they use converters vs. piston.
The nib takes some time for the break-in and initially it was frustrating because it would skip; but one day, all of a sudden, it started writing smoothly and with a fairly wet line (my Nakata pen has spoiled me regarding a truly smooth and wet line, though!).
It tends to be a heavy pen but I use it unposted and the balance is acceptable. I have a profession that I'm constantly writing and that's why I can "road test"
my pens!
:bunny1:

Is this the right thread to ask about nibs on the Mikado?

I am about to order a Mikado and was wondering whether to ask for a medium flex or a stub flex (if there is such a thing).

Does anyone have experience of using the stub? How wide is the line? Could they post a picture of their writing with some kind of scale?

I do a lot of writing so need a smooth mover, but I like a little bit of shape in the nib.

I know I am not being very clear, but maybe some FPN-ers will have some experiences to share.

Stephen

I picked 'other' because it was the look of the pen - its beautiful subtle simplicity. I adore the look of it, but - to be honest - the pen itself is too big for me. I still use it, just not as often as I would if it were smaller.

It's been quite a few months since I've checked in here so maybe there are some new styles for me to discover. Just looking at Winedoc's images are enough for me to want to raid my Mac money! (Almost...)